Are you fascinated by the music of the Middle East? Intrigued by 19th-century
American music? Interested in the roots of jazz or the political events that
inspire opera? These are some of the things musicology students study.
Schools that offer degree programs in musicology often differentiate between
three major areas:
- Ethnomusicology -- the study of music in different cultures
- Historical musicology -- the study of the development and influence
of music over time
- Systematic musicology -- the scientific and cognitive approach
to music (for example, how music affects emotions)
These are usually master's and PhD programs. However, most undergraduate
music programs will offer some courses in musicology or music history.
The undergraduate music history program at the University of California
at Los Angeles (UCLA) takes four or five years to complete and is somewhat
unique. "There are not many undergraduate programs in the United States that
specifically focus on music history," says Elisabeth Le Guin, director of
undergraduate studies in music history.
Undergraduate music and graduate musicology programs usually emphasize
musical skill and musical knowledge. At UCLA, students can expect two
years of music theory and two years of courses acquainting them with various
styles of music, in addition to music history courses.
Professor Harald Krebs says he looks for students who have the capacity
to do independent, original research and who are able to write clearly and
in a focused manner about their research.
"We are interested in people who are versatile; for example, people who
have some performance skills in addition to research skills, or some
computing skills. We are also interested in the ability to teach, as we award
teaching assistantships to admitted applicants," he says.
"At the undergraduate level, we look especially for people who are fine
performers on their instruments and who are articulate, creative and focused,"
he adds.
Musicology professor Wesley Berg recommends high school students work
on mastering English, particularly critical reading and writing. He also
recommends students take music classes.
"Any kind of music theory courses as well as practical music courses [band
or choir] would, of course, be helpful," agrees Krebs. "Courses in computing
and technology, creative writing and world history would also be useful."
Musicology programs in the U.S. are accredited by the American Musicological
Society.
The cost of textbooks is quite low in musicology programs. Tuition is the
big expense.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Musicians
and Singers
For more information related to this field of study, see: Teachers
-- Post-secondary
Music History 102
A guide to Western composers from the Internet Public Library
Society for Ethnomusicology
Committed to the study of music in all historical periods